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Medical same day emergency care (MSDEC) referrals to Rheumatology

This page is intended for use by clinicians at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham as a guideline for referring patients to Rheumatology.

How to refer

If a patient needs further support from Rheumatology, please refer via the following methods:

Rheumatology emergency

If you feel that the patient has a rheumatological emergency:

  • Contact the rheumatology SpR on call via switchboard between:
    • Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00
    • Saturday to Sunday, 09:00-12:00
  • Outside of the above hours, refer to the on call medical registrar
  • Make a PICS referral to Rheumatology who will review the referral in normal working hours

Monday to Sunday (all hours)

  • Refer all patients via PICS (Requests > Rheumatology referral QEHB)
  • Contact Rheumatology on call via Switchboard to discuss the referral between the following times:
    • Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00
    • Saturday to Sunday, 09:00-12:00
  • Outside of the above hours, the referral will be triaged by the Rheumatology team and the patient will be contacted appropriately as an outpatient
  • Do not bring the patient back to MSDEC for an inpatient Rheumatology review
  • Inform the patient to email Rheumatology if they have not heard from them within seven days
  • Ensure the contact details are correct (address and telephone number) and include a telephone number in the referral

What is required for a referral?

If you suspect giant cell arteritis (GCA), please ensure:

  • Bloods (FBC, U+Es, CRP and ESR) are completed
  • Calculate and document the Southend GCA Probability Score
  • Imaging – there is no need to routinely book a US scan or temporal biopsies, the Rheumatology team will arrange these
  • If you feel the patient can be discharged, please prescribe 40mg Prednisolone OD with PPI cover for 14 days if suspecting GCA

Last reviewed: 04 October 2024